Online Schools for Nursing Administration Degrees: How to Choose

Numerous colleges and universities offer online nursing administration degrees. Students can choose among post-baccalaureate certificate, bachelor's degree or master's degree programs to perfect their business and clinical skills within the nursing profession.

How to Choose an Online Nursing Administration School

Award Levels

Prospective students can consider various award levels when choosing an online nursing administration program. Online bachelor's degree programs in nursing administration prepare students for entry-level nursing supervisor careers; however, the U.S. Department of Labor reports that many employers of these entry-level positions are requiring applicants to possess a graduate or post-baccalaureate certificate in nursing administration (www.bls.gov). An online post-baccalaureate certificate or master's degree program prepares students to become nursing managers, case managers, directors of clinical operations or other nursing leadership positions. Many of these positions can be found at hospitals, nursing care facilities, physician's offices and non-profit facilities.
Online bachelor's degree programs can take 36-48 months to complete, with most programs requiring students to complete 120 credit hours. An online post-baccalaureate certificate in nursing administration can be completed in 6-12 months, and students must obtain 12-16 credit hours.
Before students enroll in an online master's degree program, they must have a baccalaureate degree in the nursing field, as well as be a licensed registered nurse. The master's degree program can be completed in as little as 15 months, but usually takes 24 months and 32-48 credit hours. Additionally, students may need to complete up to 360 hours of clinical experience, which can be completed at a local clinic or healthcare organization.

Program Types

Prospective nursing administration students can also check to see if their program options are offered are fully or partially online. Many online nursing administration programs require students to complete clinical sessions or internships, which they may be able to do within their own community. The school's faculty usually arranges these mentored clinical experiences, which are individually arranged.

List of Common Online Nursing Administration Programs

Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Administration

Online bachelor's degree programs in nursing administration combine clinical and business skills within the nursing profession. Typical courses cover pathophysiology, nursing management, medical ethics, case management and family health. Programs offer assistance to students around-the-clock through tech support or instructor guidance.

Online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nursing Administration

A distance learning certificate program in nursing administration is designed for students who already have their bachelor's degree in nursing. Nursing-based courses are offered in budgeting, strategic planning, evaluation and financial management. Online nursing administration certificate programs may use Blackboard or other course management systems; students often communicate with their professors over e-mail, chat rooms or online discussion boards.

Online Master of Science in Nursing Administration

An online master's degree program in nursing administration prepares students for roles as nursing managers. Students can communicate with their instructors or classmates through virtual classrooms, message boards or chat rooms. Lectures are often offered through live streaming video or on DVDs, which allow students to watch on their own schedule. Most programs offer online exams, and students must verify if they need a proctor to monitor their tests.
Completion of an online master's degree program in nursing administration qualifies graduates for Nurse Executive or Nurse Executive, Advanced certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Members must complete 30 hours of continuing education classes and meet other specific educational requirements. Additionally, nursing professionals can pursue a Certified in Executive Nursing Practice or Certified Nurse Manager and Leader certification through the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). The latter option is offered through a partnership with the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).